Sunday, July 24
Grape leaf pickles are a great thing to do when you have an abundance of grapes.
Who doesn’t enjoy a lovely, giant, crisp grape leaf pickle, especially on a hot summer day? Grape leaf pickles have been around for many generations and will probably last for many more years.
It seems as if almost everyone has grapes growing on their land because grapes are easy growers. Once you plant a few grape shrubs or vines, the grapes will take holds of whatever you place near it to grasp, such as an arbor, trellis, or vine, and go to town. A grapevine can reach over 6 feet in about a year and produce enough grapes to make several quarts of jam, jellies, and other delicious products for you and your family to enjoy.
For my family, grape leaf pickles have been enjoyable for many years because my grandfather had grapevines, so we grew up on grape leaf pickles. This year I was honored because my grandfather passed down a 4 generation grape leaf pickle crock to me and asked me to whip him up a batch of grape leaves. I am in the process of making my 2nd batch already this year. Yum!
Grape leaf pickles are a great way to use all of those extra leaves that otherwise you wouldn’t use in a standard pickle recipe.
Items you will need –
Grape leaf crock
Dark, cool spot
A couple of handful of grape leaves (cut off the stems and wrinkle up the leaves)
Medium to large size cucumbers
A bowl full of grapes
First, you will need to wash your crock and then lay a layer of cucumbers down. Over the top, you will need to lay out a layer of grape leaves, next squeeze a handful of grapes on top, then repeat with more cucumbers, leaves, grapes, etc., until you reach the top. Once you get to the top, mix a mixture of water and salt (just salty to the taste), and then pour over the top until you cover the cucumbers. Then place the small plate on top with a rock on it so you can submerge the cucumbers in the brine, cover with the secure lid and keep tight for 10-14 days. After about 10-14 days, you can take a pickle out, bite it, and enjoy the taste and flavor of yummy, delicious grape leaf pickles.
Source of Information on Grape Leaf Pickles
https://www.tnnursery.net